John Deere Introduces New Machine Sync Technology to Optimize Harvesting in the Field

John Deere has developed new technology that provides timely, critical information on equipment location, operational status and automates equipment during harvest.

"Having real-time data is critical for equipment operators during harvest," says Holli Brokaw, AMS product manager for John Deere. "Our new Machine Sync and Machine Communication Radio provide the accurate, in-field information producers need to maximize efficiencies during the hectic harvest season."

The Machine Communication Radio is the first radio on the market that can create an in-field, high-speed wireless network to facilitate machine-to-machine communication. The radio is designed to enable up to 10 vehicles in a single network to distribute data between one another when operating within a three-mile radius.

The radio, which is easy to set up and use, teams up with the Machine Sync activation and GreenStar 3 2630 Display and StarFire Receiver to create the in-field network to share logistics information.

Machine Sync is a John Deere exclusive system that takes harvest automation to the next level and the first application that uses the Machine Communication Radio hardware.

"Operators can see the location of all grain carts in the network and, from the combine, they can send a ready-to-unload request," Brokaw says. "This information enables operators and managers to make the best decisions to maximize the harvesting fleet, while reducing fuel consumption and ground compaction."

Machine Sync is simple to set up and use, even for inexperienced operators. The software provides the combine location and bin-fill status to the cart operator, who can determine how quickly the combine will need to unload; prioritize which combine to go to first when multiple combines are in the field; or call in additional carts as needed.

This technology also allows the combine operator to control the location of the tractor and grain cart for automated on-the-go unloading, lock the grain cart into position and adjust it as needed for optimal cart filling.

"Growers work hard all year to produce a high-yielding crop," Brokaw says. "Our newest AMS technology helps ensure that they harvest that crop in the most efficient manner possible."